Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a current student at USC to apply to this program?

No. Absolutely not.

I already hold a master's degree. Do I have to submit test scores?

Holding a prior master's degree does not automatically exempt applicants from submitting the required test scores. The committee will review the content of the individual's graduate degree transcript to determine whether or not there is sufficient evidence that the individual is qualified for admission. If the individual attended an institution that does not issue grades or distinguishing evaluative marks, test scores are required. If the individual's performance in the graduate program was marginal, test scores will be requested.

Tuition and Fees

Current USC tuition and fee information is available at http://www.usc.edu/soc. Select the next future semester and then the 'Tuition and Fees' tab on the left side of the screen. Graduate business (M.B.A.) tuition rates apply to this program. Tuition rates do increase each year. Some courses are scheduled in sessions subject to M.B.A. program fees. These assessments are credited back to the individual's student account on the last business day before each semester begins.

Tuition Remission

USC employees eligible for tuition remission may take advantage of this benefit to earn the Graduate Certificate in Business Fundamentals for Non-Business Professionals.

Application of Prior Degree Coursework to the Certificate

Coursework credited to a degree previously awarded by USC cannot be applied to the Graduate Certificate in Business Fundamentals for Non-Business Professionals. Current USC students who wish to pursue the certificate and a graduate degree simultaneously should consult with their degree program advisor. For those students who will be applying coursework to both programs, it is critical that the certificate be completed before or in the same semester as the degree program.

What if I took one of the required courses with a degree I completed already?

Coursework credited to a degree previously awarded by USC cannot be applied to the Graduate Certificate in Business Fundamentals for Non-Business Professionals. A suitable replacement course will be identified by the admissions team. No more than 2 of the courses required for this program can be replaced.

Application of Graduate Certificate Coursework to M.B.A. requirements

The Graduate Certificate in Business Fundamentals for Non-Business Professionals is designed for individuals who are not likely to ever wish to pursue an M.B.A. Should the student develop an interest in the M.B.A. while completing the certificate, it is recommended that the student apply to the M.B.A. program of his/her choice before completing the certificate. Because the certificate program is designed for non-business professionals, and completing the M.B.A. makes the individual a business professional, concurrent enrollment in both programs is not allowed. Certificate students who enroll in an M.B.A. program prior to completing the certificate will be dropped from the certificate program. GSBA-520 and ACCT-509 cannot be applied to a Marshall M.B.A. degree. In some cases other courses taken for the certificate might not be applicable to a subsequent M.B.A. Certificate students interested in converting or doing an M.B.A. after completing the certificate should consult with the M.B.A. program advisor.

Career Development and Placement Services

The Marshall School of Business is not prepared to provide career development training and placement assistance to non-business professionals. Students seeking assistance in this area are advised to contact their home department or the USC Career Planning and Placement Center.